Verse 18.67

Verse 18.67: “This (teaching) is not to be, by thee, at any time imparted to one who is not leading a life of austerity, who is not a devotee, and who is not eager to listen: nor to one who traduces Me. (1486)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

Now that Oh Partha, you have secured this (knowledge of) Gita-Scripture with great devotion, you should not impart it to one who is devoid of austerity. Even were there (found) one leading a life of austerity, yet were he wanting in firm devotion to his preceptor, he (too) should be avoided (because he is unfit) as the Vedas do in regard to low-born ones. The food left over after sacrificial oblations should not be made available to a crow even though old in age: similarly the Gita-teachings should not be imparted to one leading a life of austerity but devoid of devotion towards the preceptor.

One who leads a life of austerity, and has also devotion towards God. Preceptor, yet if he is wanting in earnestness for hearing the Gita-gospel, such a one is not eligible to hear the Gita-teachings, even though he be held in reverence by the world on account of his possessing the above-mentioned qualities. However lustrous or precious, a pearl might be, if it be without an aperture, would it be ever possible for the thread ^[1](guṇa) to find an entrance therein through it (for being used as ornament)? No one can dispute the depth of an ocean, yet do not the rain showers falling into it simply go to waste? Why not be generous and give food to one feeling hungry, rather than offer it to one with a full belly, and waste it? Take care that you do not even casually impart it to any one, who however worthy otherwise has not the least regard for it.

The eye can appreciate (physical) beauty, yet what does it know of fragrance? In short, a thing becomes fruitful (only) where it is appreciated. Do show regard to persons observing austerity or having devotion, Oh husband of Subhadra (Lord Krishna’s sister), yet avoid such as have got no regard for hearing the Gita (recited). (For instance) there is the austerity as also devotion, and further there is also intense desire to hear (the Gita-teachings); with all this equipment (qualities) were one (possessing these qualifications) to talk disparagingly of Me—the Creator of the Gita Scripture and the Controller of the entire Universe—and others that revile Me and my devotees—consider all such quite ineligible for imparting the teachings of the Gita.

The equipment in other respects is like a lamp-stand without a (wide and) flame during night time. Further there should be a fair-complexioned and a youthful body also bedecked with ornaments, yet with no life in it, or there should be a beautiful house built of pure and bright gold, yet it should be barred at its very entrance by a (venomous) female cobra; or there should be the best cooked food but mixed with venom; or there should be the secret malice in friendship. Of the type of all these are the austerities, the devotion, or the intellect of all those that revile Me and my devotees, know ye, Oh wise one. Therefore Oh Dhananjaya, do not allow such a devotee, or a man of intellect, or an observer of austerities, even to touch the Gita-scripture. What more should I say? Were such a slanderer to be as worthy as even the God Brahmdev [Brahmdeva] (the Creator the world) do not impart Gita-teachings (to him), even in a joke.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

There is a pun on the word (Guna) which means thread, and good quality or virtue.